Sir

I this minute received your letter to Andrew Turnbul: This Information is very alarming especially with regard to Doctor Turnbul's people, a great many of whom woud certainly Join them [the Americans]; And the Plantations have neither arms nor ammunition, either to defend themselves or to endeavour to prevent their landing at Smyrneaー

They can only come in with boats as our Barr has not water enough for the Draught of any Private[er] which must be built sharp for sailing; So that I think our Plantations not in great danger, as we can get our Negroes out of the Way. ー If such an event shoud happen most probably those that joined them of the Smyrnea settlements, woud endeavour to plunder our Plantations: ー However I have great confidence in the badness of our bar, which I hope will deterr them from attempting anything here. I shall sett out immediatly for Smyrnea & will make the best disposition I can for the defence of the Place, by arming those we can trust & disarming the suspected, ー I shall accquaint all the Plantations and put them on their Guard.

We are much obliged to Your Excellcy for this early information, which shows your attention to the good of the Province & the security of the Property of the settlers. I have the honour to be with Great respect[&c.]

Palmerina Sepr 1st 1776.

[First endorsement] Col ー Bisset 1st Sepr 76 Rd ー 2d Sepr

[Second endorsement] Colonel Bisset to Governor Tonyn In Govr Tonyn's (No 23) of 8th Septr 1776.